Lots of good thoughts here. Easy to understand how some of the "literalistic" congregations out there just don't work for lots of folks. Of course there are several others who take a more interperative look at scripture.
Our connection to God or Christ sometimes becomes conflicting when we try too hard to do this with our literal mind instead of our interperative heart. Since the bomb and subsequent D, I have worked hard to speak and listen with my heart more while I rest my mind. The mind tends to scamper around, easily distracted, and getting hung up on words. Many of us have learned how much pain a wounded heart can create. An uplifted heart can bring a calm peace and even new joy.
Yoga and meditation helped me learn to listen more with my heart, and focus my faith on faith. Everyone must find their own path for their own journey. What matters is that pick a path that is right for us rather than avoiding choosing altogether. Of course when I say right, I mean "right" ... not simply easier or more adventurous. Those paths already seem to be full of WASs and I hate long lines.
